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Genomic comparisons show that the Tapanuli orangutan separated from the Sumatran
orangutan about 3.4 million years ago. The Tapanuli orangutan separated from the Bornean
orangutan much later, about 670,000 years ago. The orangutans are the only surviving species
of the subfamily Ponginae, which also included several other species, such as the three extinct
species of the genus Gigantopithecus, including the largest known primate, Gigantopithecus
blacki. The ancestors of the Ponginae split from the main ape line in Africa 15.7 and
19.3 mya.
Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes and spend most of their time in
trees. Their hair is reddish-brown, instead of the brown or black hair typical
of chimpanzees and gorillas. Males and females differ in size and appearance. Dominant adult
males have distinctive cheek pads and produce long calls that attract females and intimidate
rivals. Younger males do not have these characteristics and resemble adult females.
Orangutans are the most solitary of the great apes, with social bonds occurring primarily
between mothers and their dependent offspring, who stay together for the first two years. Fruit
is the most important component of an orangutan's diet; however, the apes will also eat
vegetation, bark, honey, insects and even bird eggs. They can live over 30 years in both the
wild and captivity.